The Apostle Paul shares several faithful sayings to which, as Elder Chris points out, we should pay special attention. First, Christ Jesus came into the world for a specific purpose—to save sinners—of whom Paul said he was the chief. This purpose was accomplished completely. Second, bodily exercise profits little in this life, but godliness is far more profitable, for it points to the life to come. Third, when Christ died, we were positionally in Him; and because He lives, we now live with Him. Elder Chris reminds us that we should therefore be willing to live a godly life and honor Him. Lastly, the greatest motivation to perform and maintain good works is the continual affirmation of God’s love toward us.

Even though the law made nothing perfect, the bringing in of a better hope did. Christ became the end of the law for righteousness. Elder Chris reminds us that there is peace in knowing God has brought an end to the law. In Hebrews 7, the Apostle Paul explains to Jewish Christians that the priests of the Old Testament had to be continually replaced—but Christ, our eternal High Priest, has completed our salvation, intercedes for us, never changes, and will reign forever.

The Apostle Paul contrasts the priesthood of Aaron with that of Melchisedec, showing that Melchisedec’s priesthood was greater. In the same way, Christ’s priesthood is superior to Aaron’s. The priesthood of Aaron under the Old Testament could never take away sins, so another priest—of a different order—was needed. Paul explains that the law was weak through the flesh and made nothing perfect. He urged Jewish Christians not to turn back to the old law but to see that Christ, our High Priest of a higher order, lived a sinless life and put away our sin forever. Elder Chris proclaims that this was always God’s intention: that we would be delivered and could now draw nigh to God through our Great High Priest.

In Hebrews 7, the Apostle Paul shows how Melchisedec serves as a type of Christ’s ministry. Though little is known about him, Elder Chris explains that understanding Melchisedec helps us better grasp Christ and His work. Melchisedec’s name means King of Righteousness, and he ruled over Salem, meaning peace. Likewise, Christ lived a sinless life to bring reconciliation for us. Scripture records no beginning or end for Melchisedec, symbolizing Christ’s eternal reign. Even Abraham recognized him as a priest of the Most High God and gave him a tenth of all he had. Paul uses this example to urge believers to continue on in service to the true King of Righteousness and King of Peace.